Meats

Unless you are a vegetarian, meat is probably your primary source of dietary protein. Protein is important for maintaining energy levels as well as general health and well-being. Meats are available in a variety of formats for long term food storage. Canned meats and freeze dried meats are both tasty and nutritionally valuable. Meats may be found mixed in with a complete meal entrée or can be purchased on their own to be added to other foods or used in survival food recipes.

Canned Meats

Canned meats such as those manufactured by Survival Cave Foods are a healthy and easy to use option that comes pretty close to the taste and texture of freshly cooked meat. Survival Cave offers canned pork, chicken, beef, and turkey. Survival Cave canned meats are completely free of preservatives, chemicals, and artificial flavorings and are also low in salt. These canned meats are packaged in their own juices with no added water or broth. Cans range from 800 to nearly 1000 calories based on the type of meat.

Canned meat can be eaten on its own as part of an entrée or used in a recipe as you would use any cooked meat. They are very tender and definitely worth the shelf space in any food storage plan. Most canned meats have a 15 year shelf life. The downside of canned meat is the bulk. Canned meat is heavy and bulky so it doesn't make a very suitable pack food.

Freeze Dried Meats

Freeze dried meats such as those offered by Mountain House and Wise Company are a lightweight and nutritious protein source. While freeze dried meats do rretain most of their nutritional value through the freeze drying process, they do often have a slightly different texture than freshly cooked meat. Freeze dried meats may also be slightly dry in comparison to canned meats.

Freeze dried meats are available as part of a complete meal or entrée and also on their own. Freeze dried meats can be used to create your own survival food meals, giving you the freedom to apply seasonings to you taste. Freeze dried meat, like all freeze dried foods, is lightweight and easily portable, It is precooked and requires only rehydrating and heating as preparation.